Are you a Michigan Artisan?

Do you make awesomely beautiful jewelry? Are you a woodcarver? Do you craft yummy Michigan cherries into equally yummy jams? Would you like to expand your business past local craft shows and farm markets? Then here is your answer:

Artfire.com!

Artfire is a new venue for artisans around the world. If you sign up now, you can lock in a $12 per month fee. That's it. There are NO listing fees and NO commissions taken on sales. Studios are customizable and staff is attentive and responsive.

Join now and get your Michigan-made product on the map!

Register on ArtFire.com

Walled Lake Farmer's Market

I love farmer's markets. Eating locally produced food is important to me. If you're with me on this, then check out your local market! I have several that are near me. The Oakland County Farmer's Market on Pontiac Lake Road is now open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and they have some great vendors. Hartland and Howell have markets as does Royal Oak. Later in the summer Clarkston will start up. And, of course, the Eastern Market in Detroit is legendary. My personal favorite is the Walled Lake Farmer's Market.

The Walled Lake Market is on Maple Road next to the Fire Station. You can find fresh-baked breads and cookies, pickles, tea and-my family's personal indulgence-the BEST tortilla chips in the world (try the "Secret Recipe"). Currently, you can also buy your own plants for your garden. Later in the season you will be able to find yummy produce at great prices. The market runs from 7am-1pm on Wednesdays. I'll be there tomorrow!

If you need to find the market nearest your house, go check out Local Harvest.

Henry Ford Special Offer

I've already posted about how wonderful The Henry Ford is, in my opinion. Now that spring is here Greenfield Village is open and bustling. Right now you can download a coupon at The Henry Ford's website that allows you to get a family membership for only $99. This allows two adults and all of their children (or grandchildren) who are under 18 in the household unlimited admission to Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum, plus discounts on rides and special events. Depending on the number of folks in your family and which venues you visit, the membership will be paid for with one or two visits! You can get all the details on the website!

Spring in Michigan!

Could it be? Have we finally left winter behind? With the beautiful weather we've had the last couple days, people are starting to emerge from hibernation and head out into the world!

Since Earth Day is coming up next week, lots of places in Michigan are having activites this weekend. Check out the Detroit Zoo this Saturday!


There are also events in Ann Arbor, Rochester and others! Give it a google and see what you can find! Get outside and enjoy the spring!

If you know of an event leave a comment and tell folks about it!

AI Fusion- Dining in East Lansing

I apologize for this post's lack of pictures. I didn't take my camera and I should have for this restaurant!

This weekend, my husband and I were taking my parents to dinner and a show for their birthday. Checking out the options for eating near the Wharton Center, I discoverd AI Fusion. This asian fusion restaurant is on East Grand River, in the Hobby Lobby complex. There's a bar, a sushi bar and plenty of seating, all in a relaxing atmosphere with lovely asian design.

We started our meal with the Surf and Turf roll. Tempura shrimp, cucumber, avocado and rice were draped with thinly sliced, rare filet. It was absolutely delicious and a great choice for the men-folk who are a little less excited about the more traditional sushi options.

The entrees we chose were quite varied, but all delicious. My husband had the teppanyaki filet and chicken. My mom had the very spicy Seafood Delight and my dad had the Dolsot Bibimbop. I sampled my mom's and husband's and they were wonderful! I didn't try my dad's but he enjoyed it, especially the red sauce. I had the galbi, marinated short ribs. They were delicious, beautifully tender and just sweet enough. The fried rice and lightly grilled vegetables that accompianied the meals were fresh and yummy.

For dessert, I had the Mochi Ice Cream-small scoops of green tea and chocolate ice cream wrapped in a sweet rice cake. A nice, subtle finish to the meal, especially after the richness of the beef. My parents shared an Apple Pie Egg Roll, definitely fusion! An egg roll wrapper was filled with apple pie filling, fried and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. It looked incredible!

All four of us really enjoyed our meal and highly recommend AI Fusion the next time you're in East Lansing!

Michigan on a Budget #3- State Parks

Now that spring is finally in the air, it's time to talk about outdoor fun in Michigan! Michigan has State Parks and Recreational Areas all over the state. The parks vary in the amenities they offer, but it's quite possible to find fishing, boating, hiking and biking opportunities all in one place. Some of the parks have nature centers and educational programs. Many have beautiful beaches and swimming areas. Take a picnic and spend the day!

At $6 for a daily entrance to the park or $24 for an annual vehicle pass, the deal is too good to pass up!

There are additional fees for camping or some other activities, and if you're going to be doing anything that requires a permit-make sure you get one!

Check out the Michigan DNR website for more info!

More Michigan Resources

Are you heading out the grocery store and want to know what Michigan products are lurking on the shelves? Then just check out some of these sites!

Buy Michigan Now
Made in Michigan
Buy Michigan Products

I've used each of these sites while looking for Michigan products and I like all three. I will be featuring these sites, and others, individually in later posts, but I wanted to make sure everyone had the links to start using with your very next trip to the store!

Enjoy-you may be pleasantly surprised about which products are made right here at home!